Wesley College's Future in Doubt: Hostels Ordered to Close by Friday
The prestigious Wesley College faces an uncertain future as the Ministry of Education has issued an urgent directive to shut down its boarding hostels by Friday. This decision comes as a result of a series of concerning incidents and a recommendation from the Education Review Office, which has raised questions about the school's ability to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.
In a recent announcement, the school's board chairperson, Jan Tasker, revealed that the college had been undergoing a comprehensive review to guarantee the highest standards of safety, care, and student welfare. However, the Ministry's intervention has accelerated the timeline, demanding an immediate resolution to the ongoing issues.
The Ministry's decision was prompted by a 1News investigation published in 2023, which uncovered disturbing accounts of bullying, violence, and historical abuse at the Methodist school. This investigation shed light on the persistent challenges the college has faced in addressing these serious concerns.
The Ministry's leader of operations and integration, Sean Teddy, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the school's license had been suspended due to a pattern of serious and ongoing safety and well-being issues for boarders. Despite some improvements made since April 2025, when special conditions were imposed on the hostel's license, further incidents have occurred, highlighting the need for immediate action.
The Education Review Office's recommendation in September further supported the Ministry's decision, concluding that the hostel's continued operation in its current state was not in the best interests of the boarders. To minimize disruption, the Ministry has allowed boarders with NCEA commitments and international students to remain until their exams and the end of the term, respectively.
As Wesley College grapples with this challenging situation, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety and support of all boarders during this transition period. The Ministry's commitment to working closely with the school and families will be crucial in navigating this complex process.
